Railroad-crossing.



w. S. MCKEE. 'RAILROAD cHosslNG.

APPLICATION: FILED FEB. l0. |915.

Patented Aug.- 31, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

W. S. McKEE.

RAILROAD CROSSING. APPLICATION FILED FEB. Io. I9I5.

1,152,032. n v PatentedAug. 31,1915. n 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2. 1g. 2? .6 fg 39 v/Zf Z7 40 1 2,4

i -El w. s. MCKEE. I I

RAILROAD CROSSING.

` APPLICATION FILED FEB. I. 1915. 1,152,032, Patented Aug. 31,1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

I III II IIIAIIIAIIII i.

WZ-er 151177 911%.

BY A

7am 6v( nom/fr WALTER S. MoKEE,

TE STATES BATENT onirica.

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIG-NOR T'O EDGAR ALLEN AMERICAN MANGANESE STEEL COMPANY, OF AUGUSTA, MAINE, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

RAILROAD-CROSSING.

Specication of Letters atent.

Patented Aug.. 31, 1915.

Appiication filed February 1o, 1era serial No. 7,240.

T0' all whom z't may concern:

Be it known that I, WALTER S. MCKEE,

a citizen of the United States, and a resi? dent of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have made and invented certain new and useful Improvements in Railroad-Crossings, of lwhich the following is a specification.

'This invention relates to railroad crossings, and more particularly to the construction of the intersections which form the same.

The present invention contemplates. a structure of such design and arrangement that an increased degree -of safety shall be attained by providing a certain amount of iieXibility in the crossing, allowing it to Hex or bend slightly with the give ofthe foundation or road-bed, and thus eliminate danger of breakage occasioned by the' enormous strains imposed upon all crossings, particularly those located in main lines where heavy locomotives are used and where high rates of speed are maintained.

A further object is to provide a crossing intersection which includes a base plate to the strains being exceptionally high when subjected to the enormous weight of present day rolling stock.

A further object is to provide a built-up crossing intersection wherein vthe several pieces, which project radially from the base plate, are formed as separate members, and independently or separately bolted thereto, and between which members are provided reinforcing arms or braces, the resulting 1ntersection being sufficiently rigid for the proper support of the traiic, at the same time sufficiently lexible to allow a slight articulation between the various parts with out damage to the crossing, and eliminating all danger of breakage at the point of juncture of the rail members. At 'least eighty per cent. of the failures of solid manganese steel crossings are directly traceable to the making of same in but two pieces or castings, the result being toprovide an intersection having too great a degree of rigidity.

A further object is to provide a crossing intersection with separate rail pieces whereby the loss involved in the breaking of one of the projecting arms of the cross-rails involves only the replacement of a single rail plece weighing but a fewV pounds, rather than the replacement of one or two entire cross-rail members weighing, in some instances, as high as twenty-five hundred pounds. l

Other objects will appear as the description proceeds, wherein it is to be understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention can be made Within the scope of what is claimed, .without departlng from the spirit of the invention.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure l is a view in plan yoftwo ofthe intersections which go to make up a com` plete crossing, the intersections embodying the characteristic features of my invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in plan of a crosslng intersection with two of the rail pieces detached from the base plate; Fig. 3 is a sec` tional View taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view in section taken on` the line 4-4 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a view in section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. l; Fig. '6 is a view in plan of a somewhat modified form of base plateg'Fig. 7 is a View in end elevation thereof; Fig. S is a view in section similar to Fig. 3, and disclosing the form of rail member utilized in connection with the modified base plate illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7; Fig. 9 is a view in section of a somewhat further modified form of base plate and rail member; Fig. 10 is a view` in section of a somewhat further modiiication of the foregoing; Fig. 11 is a fragmental view in section taken on the linel 11-11 of Fig. 8, dis` closing the manner in which each rail piece.. is held against shifting with relatio to the base plate; Fig. l2 is a view in perspective of a somewhat modified form ofbase plate wherein the upstanding ribs are connected, whereby additional strength is lent to the base plate; Fig. 13 is a fragmental view in top plan `and partially in section of an intersection including the modiiied form of base plate just mentioned and illustrating the manner in which the rail pieces are recessed or slotted for the reception of the continuous or connected ribs; 14 is a view in section taken on the line 141-14 of Figf'l view in perspective of the base plate as usedl in the intersection disclosed in Fig.'9. Referring to the drawings, wherein similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout, each intersection includes a base plate 15 which is provided with the four pairs of upstanding and integral ribs 16 which radiate from a common central portion and provide ymea-ns for the securing of the rail member of the intersection to the base plate. A number of openings 17 extend through the base plate and are adapted to receive holding spikes therein whereby the base plate is rigidly anchored to a suitable foundation or support.

It has been found in practice that it is absolutely essential that the rail member 18 which is mounted upon the base plate be capable of flexing to a certain extent, due primarily to the. fact that asl a large weight is applied to the rail member of the intersection, it is transmitted to the base plate, causing the same to bear down upon its foundation or support. In time, the foundation or support gives slightly under the load, allowing the base plate to become depressed as the train passes thereover, and were the rail member not capable of flexing or bending at its center, the forces or weight brought to bear upon the same will not be transmitted to, and borne by, the foundation or support, but will cause severe bending moments within the rail member, and this continuous bending up and down, in the case of an integral casting forming a' half crossing previously referred to as the usual design at present in use, oftentimes causes the fracture and breaking thereof. In order to allow the cross-rail member 18 to flex slightly and thus compensate for any give in the foundation, supporting the base plate, I form the rail member of the four separate and independent rail pieces 19-20- 21-22, two of which, 19-20, being provided with the rail engageable ends 23, and the other two, 21-22, extending to, and forming a part of, the adjacent intersections of the crossing. The rail pieces 19.and 21 include the wearing portions 24, and the guards 25, between which is defined a groove or runway 26 for the passa e of the flange of a wheel therethrough. he rail pieces 19 and 21 extend to the center of the base plate and abut so as to form a continuous rail. The ends of the rail pieces 19-21 are provided with the grooves 27, deining a runway 28 extending across the continuous rail defined by the pieces 19-21. A portion of the extremities of the guards25 of the rail piece 19 and 21 are cut away as at 29, defining a recess into which the extremity of the rail Ipiece 22 is, adapted to seat. The rail pieces 20-22 abut against the sides of the rail pieces 19-21 and include the wearing portions 30 and guards 31, between which extend the runways 32, the same being positioned in alinement with the transverse runway 28 provided in the continuous rail 19-21.

The various rail pieces are cored, as illusvtrated by the dotted lines in Fig.. 2, so that each rail piece is formed with the sides 34-36 which are spaced a distance from the outer edges of the rail piece, so as to define the supporting ledges 35-37. The upstanding ribs 15 of the base plate are arranged so as to embrace and contact with the sides of the rail pieces and provide supports upon which the ledges 35-37 of the rail pieces are adapted to rest. A secure anchorage between the base plate and rail pieces is effected by providing the rail pieces with a number of bosses 38, which extend between the spaced sides of the rail pieces and are provided with the bolt receiving openings 39. The bolt. receiving openings 89 are formed as a continuation of similar openings 33, which extend through the sides of the rail pieces, and the upstanding ribs of the base plate are also provided with a number of openings 39', adapted to register with the aforementioned openings and receive the anchoring bolts 40 therethrough.

Angle braces 41 extend between the adjacent ribs 16 of the base plate and are provided with the bolt receiving openings'42, through which the anchoring bolts 40 extend and by means of which the braces are securely held in place, so as to materially strengthen and reinforce the entire structures. The angle braces are of such height that they contact with the ledges 35-37 of the rail pieces and aid in the support therevfoundation or road-bed which supports the same, as a heavy load passes thereover.

A somewhat different method of securing the various rail pieces to the base plate'is illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive, wherein it will be observed that the base plate' 15 is provided with four single upstanding ribs 43 and with four spaced abutment blocks 44 adj acent each of the single ribs 43; The rail pieces used in connection with this form of base plate each include, as illustrated in Fig. 8, a wearing portion 45, a guard 46 and the spaced supporting sides 46a. The wearing portion and guards of the various rail pieces are matched and arranged similar to those heretofore described, two of the rail pieces abutting end to end and the other of the two rail pieces contacting with the sides thereof. The rail pieces are U-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in Fig. 8 and are provided at spaced intervals with the bosses 53, the ends of which terminate a distance from one side of the rail piece, so as to provide a space for the receptionof the upstanding rib 43 of the base plate. The spaced sides and bosses of the rail pieces are provided with the openings 54 extending therethrough, which are adapted to aline with the openings 54a which are provided in the ribs of the base plate. Suitable anchoring bolts 55 extend through Vthe alined openings and through corresponding openings 56 formed in the braces 57, and thus anchor the various parts in their assembled and intersection-forming relation. -In

hampering the slight. articulation therebe' tween.

A somewhat different form of intersection, but embodying the same principles, is disclosed in Figs. 9 and 16, wherein it will be observed that the base plate 58 is provided with the four pairs of spaced upstanding ribs 59, the upper extremity of each pair being connected and reinforced by the top members 60. The top members are provided with the concave outer surfaces corresponding to, and adapted to receive, the lower surfaces of the rail pieces thereagainst. The rail pieces are provided with the supporting sides 61-62, so spaced as to embrace and contact with the external sides of the ribs 59 of the base plate, and are thus held against shifting thereby. The base plate is formed with openings between the upstanding ribs 59, so that the casting thereof may be more easily accomplished and the space intermediate said ribs vis provided at intervals with the bosses or lugs 63, through which extend the anchoring bolts 64, the same extending through alined openings 65 formed in the sides of the rail piece and the ribs and bosses of the base plate. Reinforcing or bracing bars 65 are also included in this form of intersection and extend between the sides of adjacent rail pieces, receive the anchoring bolts 64 therethrough, and materially increase the strength of the entire structure. I

The somewhat further modication illustrated in Fig. 10 is similar to the intersection disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, with the exception that in the present instance, the upstanding ribs 67 of the base plate 66 are 'spaced closer together and iit between the confronting faces of the sides 68 of the rail pieces. The bosses 38 are formed integral base plate and prevent the bending of theA ribs by the anchoring bolts 70 which extend through suitable openings 71, which are formed therein. The openings 71 extend through the sides of the rail pieces, through the upstanding ribs of the base plate and through the bosses 38. The angle braces 73, which extend between the sides of the adjacent rail pieces, are provided with alined and registering openings 72, through which the aforementioned anchoring bolts extend, whereby the yentire structures are anchored together and materially reinforced.

From the foregoing, it lwill be apparent that each rail member is rigidly secured to the base bolts, and the relative shifting of parts in a horizontal plane is prevented by the ribs of the base plate and the configuration of the rail pieces, which are used therewith. The rail pieces being formed separately, may articulate to a slight extent, so that, although the foundation should give slightly under heavy loads, vthe base plate will alsov be allowed to give slightly or be depressed, without undue strains being brought to bear upon the rail pieces, such as would occur plate by a number of anchoring` at the center of. the cross-rail member, were,

it cast in a single piece.

The supporting ribs, with which the base plate is provided, may be connected so as to radiate from a common central portion, as illustrated in the modified forms in Figs. .12 to 14 inclusive, wherein the base plate is materially strengthened and reinforced. In those instances whereinv the various ribs of the base plate are connected, the rail pieces which go to make up the cross-rail member, are provided with suitable grooves, through which the ribs of the base plate may extend. In the several views just mentioned, a form of construction similar to that disclosed in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive is shown, wherein the upstanding ribs 43 are connected and the rail piece 19 is provided with the grooves or recesses 74 extending thereacross and with the groove or recess 75 extending through the front wall thereof, thereby accommodating the connected upstanding ribs 43 of the base plate. The rail member 22 is provided with the recess or opening 76 in the front wall thereof, which is adapted to register'with the recesses 74 in the member 19, and thus accommodate the continuis eliminated, although the rail pieces 21 and 22 which extend between the adjacent intersections are each illustrated as being formed as a single casting, it will beunderstood that the same may be made of two or more sections secured together in any preferable manner, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim-- v t 1. A crossing intersection comprising a base plate with upstanding ribsY and a plurality of cast rail members each including a waring portion and a guard, secured to said r1 s.

2. A crossing intersection comprising a base plate with upstanding ribs, abutting rail-forming members secured to said ribs, each rail-forming member including a wearing portion and guard with a runway therebetween, said wearing portion and guard provided with spaced sides resting upon said base plate.

3. A crossing intersection comprising a base plate with upstanding ribs,l a plurality of cast rail members, each including a wear-A ing portion and a guard, said wearing portion andv guard provided with downwardly extending sides resting upon said base plate and contacting with` said upstanding ribs and secured thereto.

4. A lcrossing intersection comprising a base plate with upstanding ribs arranged in pairs, a plurality of rail members including spaced sides, said sides contacting with the upstanding ribs of the base plate and secured thereto. t

5. A crossing intersection comprising aY base plate with upstanding ribs arranged in pairs, a plurality of cast-rail members each including spaced sides contacting with the said ribs, said ribs and sides provided with alined openings, and holding bolts extendingthrough said openings, holding the sevreral parts in proper relation.

6. A crossing intersection comprising a base platel with upstanding ribs arranged in pairs, and a plurality of cast rail mem- 8. A crossing intersection comprising a l basefplate with upstanding ribs arranged in pairs, a plurality of rail members secured thereto and each including a wearing'portion and a ard, said wearing portion and guard provided with downwardly project-1 ing spaced sides contacting with the faces of sald ribs and held against lateral shifting thereby, said wearing portion and guar resting upon the tops of said upstanding ribs.

Signed at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, this 8th February WALTER S. -MCKEE Witnesses:

EUGENE C. BAUER, J. 1. CAPPs. 

